An Indiana sheriff, who once starred in a reality show about corruption, is now facing the consequences of his own misdeeds. Jamey Noel, the former sheriff of Clark County, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for using taxpayer money as his personal slush fund. His lavish purchases included a Cessna airplane, luxury watches, and more than $4.4 million in goods.
On Monday, Judge Larry Medlock delivered the sentence, suspending three years, which will be served as probation.
In addition to prison time, Noel was ordered to pay $270,000 in fines and more than $3 million in restitution which comes after Noel pleaded guilty in August to 27 charges, including theft, tax evasion, and official misconduct, the Louisville Courier Journal reported.
Related: Man confessed he was high on meth and Xanax when he carjacked woman, ran her over twice
Noel’s financial mismanagement extended beyond his role as sheriff. He also served as the head of New Chapel Fire and EMS, where he racked up a staggering $4.4 million in personal expenses, among the items purchased were Rolex watches valued at $15,000, an airplane for $25,000, along with $16,000 in repairs, and $160,000 worth of Amazon purchases, according to an audit revealed by WDRB.
The misuse of funds had a real impact on the community, with residents and colleagues testifying about the harm caused. Suzanne Davis, a former paramedic at New Chapel EMS, expressed her frustrations during the sentencing, stating, “He had no regard for our personal safety or mental health.”
Noel’s theft wasn’t without victims. While he splurged on luxury items, vital funds were drained from essential services. One tragic case brought forward involved the death of Christopher Sweet in 2017, who reportedly didn’t receive medical treatment after complaining of chest pains while in jail.
His mother, Janice Sweet, directly addressed Noel at the sentencing, saying, “I hope you suffer every day,” Janice Sweet reportedly said, and added that “I hope you rot in prison.”
Related: Sara Sharif trial: Dad left note beside 10-year-old’s body saying ‘I lost it,’ court hears
Noel’s crimes went far beyond financial misconduct, he also portrayed himself as a reformer after a previous sheriff was involved in a scandal involving a prostitute.
Appearing on A&E’s reality show 60 Days In, Noel sought to expose corruption in the jail system, yet ultimately became embroiled in his own corruption scandal. The show, which launched in 2016, chronicles volunteers going undercover as inmates of county jails in an effort to expose corruption and criminal activity.
In a hint of irony, Noel said on the show, which featured the Clark County Jail then under his leadership, that one of the reasons he ran for the top cop position was because “corruption had risen to the highest office” after the previous sheriff was indicted for paying a prostitute $300 for sex.
“It was apparent that drastic change needed to take place immediately,” he said at the time, according to the Courier Journal.
As it stands, Noel’s wife and adult daughter are also facing charges related to his spending.
Also Read: Mom killed son, tossed body in dumpster, told cops it was just ‘stinky shrimp pasta’
